Auckland Poker - New Zealand

2011 W.S.O.P. Main Event Final Table Live For NZ Viewers

2011-11-07T15:53:00.000+13:00

The climatic end for the final participants of the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event, dubbed the "November Nine", will be shown in New Zealand on SkyTv's ESPN channel today @5:30pm(NZ Time).

The Final table consists of:
Martin Staszko (Trinec, Czech Republic) – 40,175,000 in chips
Eoghan O’Dea (Dublin, Ireland) – 33,925,000 in chips
Matt Giannetti (Las Vegas, NV) – 24,750,000 in chips
Phil Collins (Las Vegas, NV) – 23,875,000 in chips
Ben Lamb (Tulsa, OK) – 20,875,000 in chips
Badih Bounahra (Belize City, Belize) – 19,700,000 in chips
Pius Heinz (Cologne, Germany) – 16,425,000 in chips
Anton Makiievskyi (Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine) – 13,825,000 in chips
Sam Holden (Sussex, UK) – 12,375,000 in chips

The payouts(US$) for the final table:
1st $8,715,638
2nd $5,433,086
3rd $4,021,138
4th $3,012,700
5th $2,269,599
6th $1,720,831
7th $1,314,097
8th $1,010,015
9th $782,115

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2011-06-19T01:41:00.000+12:00

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New Zealand poker player, Simon Watt, wins WSOP bracelet and US$$614,248

2010-06-07T22:23:00.000+12:00

Auckland poker player Simon Watt wins his first WSOP bracelet and did it against internet poker phenom and High Stakes Poker star Tom Dwan, best known as Durrrr.

With Watt having a massive chiplead, in the final hand hand Dwan shoved all his chips in with Qd 6c and Watt instant called with pocket nines, which held up and sealed the $1500 No Limit Poker event.

Full Tilt Poker pro Tom Dwan collected $381,885 for second place but missed out on collecting on his sidebets for winning a WSOP bracelet.

Congratulations Simon

Test your poker tournament skills at Full Tilt Poker

Simon Watt in a heads up battle with Durrrr for a WSOP Bracelet

2010-06-07T21:15:00.001+12:00

If winning last years Auckland APPT event was enough, Auckland poker player has found himself in a position to win his very first World Series of Poker bracelet.
With only two people left in WSOP Event #11 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em, Watt finds himself a up against one of the top poker players in the world, Tom Dwan aka Durrrr. First place is US$$614,248

Play poker online at Pacific Poker

Soren Eriksen Wins The New Zealand Poker Championships AGAIN!

2010-04-19T17:19:00.001+12:00

Soren Eriksen used his experience from winning last years 2009 New Zealand Poker Championship, to outlast this years final table and capture the New Zealand Poker Championship main event once again.

In the last hand of the tournament, Soren called an allin bet, with his pocket pair of sevens and was in a classic race up against Cole Swannack's AQ. Soren's pair of sevens managed to hold up and the victory was all his.

While also claiming the New Zealand Poker Championship two times, he also collected $60,000 cash for first place.

1st – Soren Eriksen NZ$60,000

2nd – Cole Swannack NZ$33,000

3rd – Michael Spilkin NZ$24,000

4th – Richard Lancaster NZ$18,000

5th – James Honeybone NZ$13,000

6th – Joseph Allis NZ$10,000

7th – Andrew Middleditch NZ$8,500

8th – Alfred Saliba NZ$7,500

9th – Mike King NZ$6,000

Test your tournament skills at Full Tilt Poker

2010 New Zealand Poker Champs April 9 - 18

2010-04-06T12:15:00.007+12:00

Christchurch Casino is once again host of the annual New Zealand Poker Championship.
The 2010 NZ Poker Champs will also include the first NZ Womens Poker Championship, the South Island champs, Canterbury champs, NZ Omaha Champs, Minh Tran Memorial, Peter Peko Memorial and a $50k challenge, along with the $2750 buyin main event.

Tournament registrations for the NZ Poker Champs can be made online here

James Honeybone Takes Down SKYCITY Auckland Anniversary Poker Championships

2010-02-02T00:32:00.008+13:00

Auckland Poker studs, Dan Sing and Martin Cardno, were unable to claim the Auckland Aniversary Poker Championship for their hometown fans, bowing out of the tournament in 7th and 5th place respectively. That left out of town poker player James Honeybone to come in and snatch the title for himself.

James Honeybone seen here with WSOP Champion Joe Haschem after a win on the APPT

Brush up your play at Pacific Poker!

Cash Results:
1st James Honeybone – $36,030
2nd Oliver – $23,720
3rd Koray Turker – $14,280
4th Srdjan Mitrovic – $11,620
5th Martin Cardno – $9,200
6th Steve Quanborough – $5,930
7th Dan Sing – Auckland - $4,840
8th Mitch McClenghan – $4,240
9th Timothy Phillip – $3,510
10th Haiou Xu – $3,150
11th Paul Reid – $2,420
12th Thomas McDonald – $2,060

Skycity Casino's Auckland Aniversary Poker Champs 2010

2010-01-26T00:32:00.000+13:00

This Sunday, January 31, is day one of the 2010 Auckland Aniversary Poker Champs Main Event held at the Skycity Casino in Auckland. Tournament entry is $1100 with a $50,000 guaranteed prizepool.

Satellites for this tournament are happening all week, as well as other cash tournaments all the long weekend.

Last years champion was local Skycity poker player, Matt Cheer, who took home over $35,000 for first place

2009 APPT Auckland Poker List of Winners and Payouts

2009-10-18T18:47:00.000+13:00

With 263 poker players entered into the APPT Auckland Main Event, the total prize-pool amounted to NZD $789,000.

1 Simon Watt (New Zealand) NZD $209,085
2 Gerome Guitteau (France) NZD $142,020
3 Jason Brown (New Zealand) NZD $82,845
4 Ke Sijia (China) NZD $55,230
5 Richard Lancaster (New Zealand) NZD $42,606
6 Jens Walther (Germany) NZD $31,560
7 Assadour Assadourian (Australia) NZD $23,670
8 Lance Climo (New Zealand) NZD $18,936
9 Michael Shinzaki (USA) NZD $14,202
10 Shilton Smith (New Zealand) NZD $11,046
11 Ben Butcher (Australia) NZD $11,046
12 Oleg Epp (Germany) NZD $11,046
13 Sam Hill (New Zealand) NZD $8679
14 Charlie Swan (USA) NZD $8679
15 Mike King (New Zealand) NZD $8679
16 Ray Cook (Australia) NZD $8679
17 Rob Toleafoa (New Zealand) NZD $7101
18 Kani Edwards (New Zealand) NZD $7101
19 Eric Assadourian (Australia) NZD $7101
20 Chris Tau (New Zealand) NZD $7101
21 Ronny Wijaya (New Zealand) NZD $7101
22 Jason Mui (USA) NZD $7101
23 Sal Fazzino (Australia) NZD $7101
24 Robert Browning (Philippines) NZD $7101
25 George Moussa NZD $5523
26 Anibal Lee (New Zealand) NZD $5523
27 Joe Quinton (United Kingdom) NZD $5523
28 Luke Edwards (Australia) NZD $5523
29 Daniel Craker (New Zealand) NZD $5523
30 Arnaud Bulle (France) NZD $5523
31 Tamas Lendvai (Hungary) NZD $5523
32 Mathieu Louisy-Gabriel (France) NZD $5523

Local boy Simon Watt wins APPT Auckland Event and collects $209,085

2009-10-18T18:38:00.001+13:00

Simon Watt, who qualified for this tournament on a sattelite on Pokerstars, was able to keep New Zealand's richest poker title in the hands of kiwis, when he was able to outlast other local players (such as Rick, Richard Lancaster and Jason Brown) and go face up with frenchman Gerome Guitteau.

For first place Simon collected a nice win of $209,085.

2009 APPT Auckland - Final Table Decided

2009-10-17T17:59:00.001+13:00

With Shilton Smith getting knocked out in tenth place, when his pocket kings got flushed on the river, the final table of the 2009 APPT Auckland main event has now been decided.

The chip leader is Frenchman Gerome Guitteau on 1.2 million ahead of Jason Brown (710,000), American Michael Shinzaki (620,000), Simon Watt (580,000), Richard Lancaster (570,000), Lance Climo (350,000), German Jens Walther (335,000), Australian-based Chinese player Ke Sijia (295,000) and Eric Assadourian's father Assadour(230,000).

Some players of note, who fell today, were last years champion Daniel Cracker in 29th place, Cris Tau in 20th, Eric Assadourian 19th and Mike King 15th.

The decider to see who is crowned Auckland Skycity's Festival of Poker champion will be held at the casino tomorrow.

Will The "Poker_Lords" Provide Us With A Local Auckland APPT Winner?

2009-10-17T03:27:00.003+13:00

Well James Ciurlionis didnt quite cut the mustard, but watch out for Jason Brown the current chipleader with 632,000.
With 32 players left, everyone is guaranteed a min $5523 payout.
Notables left in the hunt for the Final Table are Australian poker pro Eric Assadourian, funny man Mike King and last years Auckland APPT champion Daniel Cracker.

Highlight of the day, has to go to Chris Tau, for knocking out Tony Hachem. Hachem who had pushed all in preflop thought all his prayers had been answered when he hit a set on the flop. Unfortunately for him Chris had made a higher set and it was sayonara to Joe Hachem's baby brother.

Prize Payouts for the Top 10 Finishers:
1 NZD $209,085
2 NZD $142,020
3 NZD $82,845
4 NZD $55,230
5 NZD $42,606
6 NZD $31,560
7 NZD $23,670
8 NZD $18,936
9 NZD $14,202
10 NZD $11,046

Auckland Skycity Casino's Festival of Poker
Auckland APPT Main Event Day 3 Table Seatings

Table 6

Seat 1: Daniel Craker (New Zealand) 131,500

Seat 2: Oleg Epp (Germany) PokerStars Qualifier 145,500

Seat 3: Michael Shinzaki (USA) 346,500

Seat 4: Luke Edwards (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 83,000

Seat 5: Jason Mui (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 88,500

Seat 6: Eric Assadourian (Australia) Team PokerStars Australia 94,500

Seat 7: Ropati Toleafoa (New Zealand) 241,000

Seat 8: Charles Swan (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 104,000

Table 7

Seat 1: Louisy-Gabriel Mathieu (France) PokerStars Qualifier 44,500

Seat 2: Richard Lancaster (New Zealand) 116,000

Seat 3: Sal Fazzino (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 136,500

Seat 4: Ke Sijia (China) 85,500

Seat 5: Ronny Wijaya (New Zealand) 35,000

Seat 6: Raymond Cook (Australia) 24,000

Seat 7: Jens Walther (Germany) PokerStars Qualifier 349,500

Seat 8: Assadour Assadourian (Australia) PokerStars Player 69,000

Table 8

Seat 1: Gerome Guitteau (France) PokerStars Qualifier 317,500

Seat 2: Anibal Lee (New Zealand) 34,500

Seat 3: Simon Watt (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 430,500

Seat 4: Lance Climo (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 235,000

Seat 5: Mike King (New Zealand) 81,000

Seat 6: Kani Edwards (New Zealand) 157,500

Seat 7: Sam Hill (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 56,000

Seat 8: Robert Floyd Browning (Philippines) PokerStars Qualifier 111,000

Table 9

Seat 1: Ben Butcher (Australia) 118,000

Seat 2: George Moussa (Australia) 105,000

Seat 3: Arnaud Bulle (France) 82,000

Seat 4: Tamas Lendvai (Hungary) PokerStars Qualifier 64,000

Seat 5: Shilton Smith (New Zealand) 256,000

Seat 6: Joe Quinton (United Kingdom) PokerStars Qualifier 58,000

Seat 7: Jason Brown (New Zealand) 632,000

Seat 8: Chris Tau (New Zealand) 79,000

Auckland APPT Day 2 : James Ciurlionis has already "WON"

2009-10-16T07:34:00.000+13:00

If you have been listening to Kiwi James Ciurlionis lately, you would have been mistaken that he had already won this years Auckland APPT. Heading into day 2 today, James has an impressive 100k stack and is fourth in chips behind current tournament leader, Emad Tahtouh.

James, theres still a long way to go, matey.

For those already busted out of the tournament, there is a $1100 Buyin Holdem/Omaha Rotation game and a $2030 Satellite for tomorrows $10K High Roller Event.

Day 2 Seat Draw and Starting Stacks
Table 3

Seat 1: Rohin Rup (New Zealand) 63,300
Seat 2: Angela Whorton (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 21,700
Seat 3: Donald Garcevic (New Zealand) 11,100
Seat 4: Michael Pedley (Australia) 26,200
Seat 5: Richard Lancaster (New Zealand) 65,100
Seat 6: Paul Foltyn (UK) PokerStars Player 29,400
Seat 7: Terry James Gardiner (Australia) 25,300
Seat 8: Robert Megino (Philippines) 21,700
Seat 9: Jamie Sadler (New Zealand) 23,000

Table 4

Seat 1: Raphaël Simoneau (Canada) PokerStars Qualifier 19,800
Seat 2: Sam Hill (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 57,100
Seat 3: Brett Unkovich (New Zealand) 14,800
Seat 4: Emad Tahtouh (Australia) Team PokerStars Australia 162,900
Seat 5: George Moussa (Australia) 41,100
Seat 6: Grant Levy (Australia) Team PokerStars Australia 35,200
Seat 7: Kane Sherwell (Australia) 24,000
Seat 8: Arnaud Bulle (France) 68,300
Seat 9: Ray Walker (New Zealand) 15,300

Table 5

Seat 1: Bill Potts (New Zealand) 25,900
Seat 2: Shirley Rosario (USA) PokerStars Player 9400
Seat 3: Herve Gael (France) PokerStars Qualifier 35,300
Seat 4: Simon Watt (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 46,200
Seat 5: Michael Song (New Zealand) 23,900
Seat 6: Joe Teanotoga (New Zealand) 18,300
Seat 7: Tim Gray (New Zealand) 21,600
Seat 8: Raymond Cook (Australia) 30,200
Seat 9: Soren Eriksen (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 84,600

Table 6

Seat 1: Olivier Verdure (France) PokerStars Qualifier 30,800
Seat 2: Anibal Lee (New Zealand) 29,700
Seat 3: Tamas Lendvai (Hungary) PokerStars Qualifier 76,100
Seat 4: Michael Shinzaki (USA) 109,800
Seat 5: Louisy-gabriel Mathieu (France) PokerStars Qualifier 58,100
Seat 6: Bruce Wilkinson (New Zealand) 32,300
Seat 7: Angie Fitzgerald (New Zealand) 37,500
Seat 8: Alojz Zdjelar (Australia) 16,400
Seat 9: Dan Sing (New Zealand) 15,000

Table 7

Seat 1: Lance Climo (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 134,400
Seat 2: Raj Ramakrishnan (Australia) 59,700
Seat 3: Julian Dapena (France) 16,000
Seat 4: Sal Fazzino (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 28,800
Seat 5: Mark Philip (New Zealand) 3600
Seat 6: Eric Assadourian (Australia) Team PokerStars Australia 34,700
Seat 7: Michael Mariakis (Australia) 11,300
Seat 8: Daniel Craker (New Zealand) 37,000
Seat 9: Taiho Riini (New Zealand) 48,900

Table 8

Seat 1: Terry Fan (Taiwan) PokerStars Player 31,900
Seat 2: Raymond Siale (New Zealand) 22,100
Seat 3: Mike King (New Zealand) 20,700
Seat 4: Anthony Hartigan (New Zealand) 10,600
Seat 5: Shaun Gray (New Zealand) 35,300
Seat 6: Nicholas Becker (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 29,900
Seat 7: Jason Brown (New Zealand) 51,800
Seat 8: Wyn Belmont (New Zealand) 41,300
Seat 9: Geoff Smith (New Zealand) 30,200

Table 9

Seat 1: Michael Nixon (New Zealand) 28,400
Seat 2: Emma Grace (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 10,500
Seat 3: Jens Walther (Germany) PokerStars Qualifier 58,900
Seat 4: Wayne Barry (New Zealand) 10,600
Seat 5: Candice Smith (Australia) 18,100
Seat 6: Sean Wilson (Canada) PokerStars Qualifier 47,500
Seat 7: Daniel Williams (Canada) PokerStars Qualifier 35,500
Seat 8: Celina Lin (China) Team PokerStars PRO Asia 16,300
Seat 9: David Allan (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 25,000

Table 10

Seat 1: Honi Morison (New Zealand) 22,700
Seat 2: Billy Woolsey (New Zealand) 32,500
Seat 3: Matty Mitchelle (New Zealand) 27,900
Seat 4: Dennis Huntly (Australia) 27,400
Seat 5: Glen Howes (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 39,900
Seat 6: Joe Lonie (New Zealand) 35,500
Seat 7: Jordan Pearce (New Zealand) 25,900
Seat 8: Ben Butcher (Australia) 37,900
Seat 9: Leonardo Rago (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 51,400

Table 11

Seat 1: Hongkai Shi China) 26,400
Seat 2: Robert Vishnudatt (Netherlands) PokerStars Qualifier 54,900
Seat 3: Shilton Smith (New Zealand) 70,400
Seat 4: James Ciurlionis (New Zealand) 105,600
Seat 5: Jason Mui (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 17,600
Seat 6: Graeme Putt (New Zealand) 55,200
Seat 7: Michael Bena (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 28,900
Seat 8: Chris Tau (New Zealand) 28,500
Seat 9: Kris Williams (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 24,700

Table 12

Seat 1: Robert Browning (Philippines) PokerStars Qualifier 25,800
Seat 2: Fabrice Douyere (New Caledonia) 11,300
Seat 3: Luke Edwards (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 57,400
Seat 4: Jim Giannoukos (Australia) 54,800
Seat 5: Lucas Lang (Australia) 29,800
Seat 6: Aaron Golledge (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 32,800
Seat 7: Geoffrey Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) 31,500
Seat 8: Holger Kanisch (Germany) PokerStars Player 30,900
Seat 9: Helmut Waicane (New Caledonia) 70,900

Table 13

Seat 1: Sherif Badran (New Zealand) 27,500
Seat 2: Danny Leaoasavaii (New Zealand) 7900
Seat 3: Aaron Benton (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 44,200
Seat 4: Ke Sijia (China) 24,900
Seat 5: Joseph Campbell (UK) PokerStars Qualifier 18,800
Seat 6: Oleg Epp (Germany) PokerStars Qualifier 30,500
Seat 7: Ropati Toleafoa (New Zealand) 43,000
Seat 8: Angelo Rigopoulos (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 18,600
Seat 9: Jason Jarvis (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 18,600
Seat 10: John Parker (New Zealand) 16,300

Table 14

Seat 1: Tim Macbeth (New Zealand) 49,100
Seat 2: Chris Fitzgerald (New Zealand) 40,300
Seat 3: Ronny Wijaya (New Zealand) 30,100
Seat 4: Mika Petteri Piironen (Thailand) PokerStars Qualifier 57,200
Seat 5: Tony Hachem (Australia) Team PokerStars Australia 53,400
Seat 6: Mike Tyler (Philippines) PokerStars Qualifier 23,400
Seat 7: Nikita Boyko (Russia) 47,400
Seat 8: John Cheung (New Zealand) 22,200
Seat 9: Daniel Hall (Canada) 93,600
Seat 10: Charles Swan (USA) PokerStars Qualifier 15,600

Table 15

Seat 1: Marc Wittkopf (New Zealand) 22,500
Seat 2: Dennis Waterman (USA) PokerStars Player 36,400
Seat 3: Yasuchika Kayano (Japan) 39,000
Seat 4: Jacky Tastavin (France) 73,300
Seat 5: Boris Cvetkovski (New Zealand) 29,200
Seat 6: Assadour Assadourian (Australia) PokerStars Player 41,900
Seat 7: Grant Harris (New Zealand) 36,000
Seat 8: James Honeybone (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 30,200
Seat 9: Joe Marchal (USA) 8100
Seat 10: George Manolas (Australia) 36,300

Table 16

Seat 1: Garry Gates (USA) PokerStars Player 64,100
Seat 2: Steve Gang (Australia) 16,400
Seat 3: Tony Yalden (New Zealand) 40,100
Seat 4: Joe Quinton (UK) PokerStars Qualifier 51,100
Seat 5: Cole Swannack (New Zealand) PokerStars Qualifier 59,100
Seat 6: Nick Patterson (New Zealand) 22,000
Seat 7: Nil Echeverria (Spain) PokerStars Qualifier 47,500
Seat 8: Kani Edwards (New Zealand) 50,200
Seat 9: Gerome Guitteau (France) PokerStars Qualifier 99,300
Seat 10: Michael Bryan-James (UK) 27,800

Auckland Skycity's Festival of Poker 13/10/09

2009-10-13T03:14:00.002+13:00

With the Auckland APPT Main Event's first flight starting tomorrow, today seems like being an action packed day for the keen poker players.
With a $330buyin deepstack NL tournament starting at lunchtime, a Mega Satellite tournament at 6pm and a $550 Buyin Omaha at 7pm. Dont forget about this evenings "Celebrity Event" and of course the Welcome Party to knock back a few drinks.

Auckland Skycity's Festival of Poker Day 3: Lee Nelson Event

2009-10-12T02:21:00.007+13:00

Today, Monday 12 Oct, at the Auckland Skycity Casino, starting at 6pm is the Lee Nelson No Limit Texas Holdem Event with a $1100 buyin.
$240 Single table satellites will be run on demand for this tournament and there will also be a Mega Satellite Event @4pm for the Auckland APPT Main Event.

The Lee Nelson Event is named after NZ based, Team PokerStars Pro, Lee "Final Table" Nelson. Nelson is well known for winning the 2006 Aussie Millions Main Event, cashing for AUD$1,295,800, and for co-authoring on the highly rated Poker tournament Ssrategy books "Kill Phil" and "Kill Everyone".

Kill Everyone: Advanced Strategies for No-Limit Hold 'Em Poker, Tournaments, and Sit-n-Gos: Revised and Expanded Edition

APPT Auckland Tournament Schedule October 2009

2009-10-08T05:19:00.002+13:00

Auckland's Skycity Casino is once again holding it's Festival of Poker, from Oct 10-18, with the showcase being the NZ$3250 buyin Main Event. As part of the Asian Pacific Poker Tour, expect to see at the Auckland APPT event plenty of overseas poker pros.

APPT Auckland Poker Tournament Schedule

Make sure to checkout the numerous satellite tournaments running daily for your chance to win a seat to the Auckland APPT Main Event.

APPT Auckland Poker Main Event Blind Structure

NZ based Dane takes out Aussie champ

2009-04-06T18:23:00.003+12:00

Blenheim based Dane, Soren Erikson, managed to snatch the New Zealand Poker Championship out of the hands of reigning champion David Borg, and claim $100,000 to go with the title. Mike King joked his way to third place and collected $30k, while Auckland stud, Dan Sing, placed a respectable 9th.

Top Ten Results:
1 Soren Eriksen $100,000
2 David Borg $50,000
3 Mike King $30,000
4 Dimitris Merentitis $22,000
5 Mike Mayar $18,000
6 Graeme Putt $14,000
7 Shaun Gray $10,000
8 Atamu Manuel $10,000
9 Dan Sing $8,000
10 Mark Lin $8,000

Martin Cardno Destroys the Aussies and Claims 6-max title

2008-10-18T00:06:00.003+13:00

Auckland's favourite poker player, Martin Cardno, has bounced back from having a misrable APPT main event last week, and took down Event Six at the Poker News Cup in Melbourne. For first place in the $550 No Limit Six Handed event, Cardno collected AUS$25,437.

Kiwi wins Auckland APPT Poker Main Event

2008-10-13T01:11:00.003+13:00

Wellington poker player Daniel Cracker, won the main event title and $257,000 when he eliminated aussie Matt Konnecke(2nd prize 162,792).

Local TV star and somewhat regular Skycity player, Dan Sing, was eliminated in 4th place, when his opponent hit a four outer on the river. His $59,976 prize money will help in paying for his bar tab, when he drowns his sorrows on this missed opportunity.

And another unlucky Auckland player is Luke Stanford, who started the day as the chip leader. He finished up in 5th place and collected $46,276

Auckland APPT Poker Party Launch

2008-10-11T04:05:00.001+13:00

Omaha and those Bloody Aussies

2008-10-09T23:53:00.004+13:00

After getting to the final table of Auckland Skycity's Pot Limit Omaha event. The two big stacks of Eric Assadourian and Grant Levy, last years APPT Grand Final Main Event Champ, managed to face each other off, in a heads up battle for first place.
With the experience of winning two NZ Omaha titles behind him, Assadourian was able to defeat his fellow countryman and claim the $12k first prize.

Skycity Holdem Champs Final Table

2008-10-07T12:21:00.004+13:00

After playing all night, the final table has been decided and will recommence today at 3pm. With a final table consisting of Auckland poker superstars like Dan Francis and Chris Holmes, two players from my Auckland Poker Regulars post are also at the table.
Good luck to all the Auckland boys at the table.

Final Table:
Jay Loo
Robert Wang
Dan Francis
Chris Holmes
Li Cheng Feng
Carl Gray
Hoang Tu
Zhai Li
Nilesh
Dennis Waterman

UPDATE: This was taken out by the American Dennis Waterman

Auckland APPT End of month Super Satellite

2008-09-27T06:17:00.003+12:00

Auckland Skycity casino, will again be running their end of month satellite to the Festival of Poker Main event, this sunday Sept 28.

With a $550 tournament buyin, entrants have a 1 in 6 chance of getting a Main Event ticket to the APPT Auckland main event. With the "high quality" of skycity poker players, this seems the best way of getting in cheaply.

APPT Auckland Tournament Schedule October 2008

2008-09-03T00:05:00.002+12:00

Auckland Skycity has released a tournament schedule here for the Auckland leg of the Asian Pacific Poker Tour.
With satellites being held every week at the auckland casino, look for a good number of local players to compete against the many visiting "so called" pros.

Cardno Cashes in WSOP event 52

2008-07-03T15:43:00.002+12:00

Fresh off his final table placing at the recently televised NZ Poker Championship, Martin Cardno managed to go deep in the $1500 NL Holdem WSOP event, finishing 21st and collecting US$17,276 for his trouble.

Freeroll for NZ Poker Players Only

2008-07-02T14:23:00.004+12:00

FullTilt Poker are running freerolls everyday, at 7.40pm(NZ), for kiwi players only.

If you havent signed up use the bonus code: KIWI

and you can get a 100% deposit bonus upto $600

Sunday Private Tourny on Pokerstars

2008-06-23T15:03:00.003+12:00

If anyone is interested in having a nice casual game at home online on a sunday evening, there's a private tournament on Pokerstars at 7pm(NZ).

Pass word is kiaora

Entry fee is US$10+1
Last night there were 27 fellow kiwis playing each other, with Jistbug from Nelson winning

Auckland Poker Players on TV

2008-06-18T13:21:00.006+12:00

Watch Auckland players John Pye, Robert Megino and Martin Cardno do battle against the Aussies and the rest of NZ, on the final table of the NZ Poker Champs Main Event.

The screening times on SkyTv are:

Thursday 19th Sky Sport 1 - 6pm
Friday 20th Sky Sport 1 - 10am
Friday 20th Sky Sport 2 - 7.30pm

Best Poker Movie Since Rounders

2008-06-07T16:44:00.001+12:00

Lots of cool actors in this one.

Disappointing WSOP Main Event satellite at Auckland Skycity

2008-06-04T03:26:00.013+12:00

After running two successful tournaments these past two years, the Auckland casino definitely dropped the ball on this one. With an increase in the entry fee and poorly run satellites, only 14 entrants showed up to play.
With the lack of numbers in this event, it was agreed upon amongst the players to play for a cash prize instead of a trip to play in this years WSOP Main Event, held in Las Vegas. And in the end it was Kevin Clark who outlasted everyone and received $12k for first place.
I suggest anyone wanting to go to Vegas, your best bet is to try and qualify online for the WSOP Main Event.

APPT Is Coming To Auckland!

2008-05-28T22:25:00.004+12:00

Auckland Skycity Casino will be hosting the Auckland section of the Asian Pacific Poker Tour from Oct 9-12.

The buy-in for the Event will be $3000. Look for a few big overseas stars to be visiting

Poker Rakeback

2008-05-26T00:46:00.003+12:00

If you would like to earn rakeback from playing online from such sites like FullTilt, Ultimatebet, SunPoker and many more.
Join Up Here

Getting back 30% on the rake you've paid, adds up to quite a bit if you play a lot online

Auckland Players Succeed In Christchurch

2008-05-12T23:25:00.012+12:00

Many poker players who regularly play at Auckland Skycity's Pokerzone, journeyed down to Christchurch last week to contest the NZ Poker Championships and did extremely well.

Regular Auckland Skycity poker player, Robert Wang, continues his impressive cash winnings in tournaments this year, when he collected $30,000 for first place in the Sth Island No Limit Hold em Championship. A combination of poker skill, good luck and an annoying voice, able to put any opponent on tilt, he has managed to collect over A$180,000 in tournament winnings since the beginning of he year.
Robert has numerous Skycity wins, including winning last years WSOP satellite and gaining an all expenses paid trip to Vegas to play the main event at the WSOP.
Robert is currently leading the Australasian Poker Leaderboard.

The Peter Peko Memorial event was won by Sam He, another Skycity regular. Using his mix of good skills in Omaha and Holdem, he was able to outlast 58 other players and grab $10,000 for first place.

John Pye also placed 3rd in both the Main Event and the Omaha Tournament, cashing for $38K.

And Martin Cardno, professional poker player and WSOP veteran, collected $24,000 for fourth place in the Main Event.

An Aussie Takes Out NZ Title

2008-05-12T22:54:00.004+12:00

It was an all Australian heads up final, between David Borg and Tony Hachem, to decide who will take this years NZ Main Event title and a first prize of $100,000.
In the last hand, with all the money in preflop, Hachem showed Ac Qh and Borg Js 4s. Hachem kept the lead with a flop of Qs 10d 9s, he stayed ahead on the turn (2d) but Borg managed to hit his flush on the river (3s) to claim the $100,000 first prize. Hachem grabbed $54,000 as runner-up

Main Event Place Getters
1 David Borg (Aust) $100,000
2 Tony Hachem (Aust) $54,000
3 John Pye (NZ) $34,000
4 Martin Cardno (NZ) $24,000
5 Robert Megino (NZ) $17,000
6 Warren Paaka (NZ) $14,000
7 Johnny Scott (NZ) $12,000
8 Michael Pedley (Aust) $10,000
9 Paul Nixon (NZ) $7900
10 Shane Ogier (NZ) $7500
11 Dan Sing (NZ) $7500
12 Hayden Hapes (NZ) $6500
13 Minh Tran (NZ) $6500
14 Oliver Robertson (NZ) $6500
15 Mike Geare (NZ) $5000
16 Fern Webber (NZ) $5000
17 Eric Assadourian (Aust) $5000
18 Steve Matson (Aust) $4000
19 Nick Wright (NZ) $4000
20 Greg Familton (NZ) $4000

Other Results held earlier in the week:

South Island Champs
1st Robert Wang NZ $30,000
2nd Oliver Robertson NZ $16,000
3rd Richard Grace NZ $9,000
4th Warren Pritchard NZ $7,000
5th Scott Hamilton-Hill NZ $6,000
6th Jovan Scekic Aus $5,000
7th Simon Bismark NZ $4,100
8th Bernard Lluat Malaysia $3,300
9th Tayne Derriman NZ $2,600
10th Simon Thwaites NZ $2,000

PotLimit Omaha
1st Eric Assadourian Australian $10,000
2nd Dean Yuan Australian $6,800
3rd John Pye NZ $4,000
4th Peter Field NZ $2,600
5th Vincent Larosa Australian $2,100
6th Michael Fleming NZ $1,800
7th Minh Tran NZ $1,500
8th John Dykhoff NZ $1,200

Peter Peko Memorial Pot Limit Holdem/Omaha
1st Sam He NZ $10,000
2nd Gary Boxell $6,780
3rd Peter Field $3,550
4th John Dykhoff $2,500
5th Demitris Merentitis $2,100
6th Joey Zhou $1,870
7th Glenn Matheson $1,500
8th Graham Freeman $1,200

Canterbury Championships
1st Richard Grace NZ $16,500
2nd Simon Bismark NZ $10,000
3rd Joey Zhou NZ $5,880
4th Kevin Clark NZ $4,050
5th Chris Chang NZ $3,550
6th Leo Boxell AUS $3,050
7th Michael King AUS $2,550
8th Kanniga Morgan NZ $2,040
9th Peter Van Der Looy NZ $1,530
10th Dan Lai NZ $1,250

"Educational" Poker Video for Auckland Players

2008-03-19T22:42:00.003+13:00

I thought this may help improve your poker game before this weekends North Island Poker Champs and the New Zealand Poker Champs in May. Enjoy!

NZ Poker Champs- Main Event Freeroll

2008-03-08T07:09:00.003+13:00

CDPoker.com are running satellites to the Main Event of the NZ poker champs. Sign up here to Register
Satellite winner will get a US $3k package that includes buy-in and accommodation to New-Zealand poker championship in May

Password for tournament is kiwioncd

New Zealand Poker Champs 2008

2008-03-08T06:38:00.003+13:00

From May 4-11, the Christchurch Casino will again be hosting the NZ Poker Champs.

Sun 4 May 1pm No Limit Holdem Canterbury Champs $840

Mon 5 May 1pm Peter Peko Memorial Pot Limit Holdem / Omaha Rotation Event $600

Tues 6 May 1pm NZ Pot Limit Omaha Champs $600

Wed 7 May 1pm No Limit Holdem South Island Champs $1200

Thur 8 May 1pm No Limit Holdem Main Event Championship - Flight 1 $2500
Fri 9 May 1pm No Limit Holdem Main Event Championship - Flight 2 $2500
Sat 10 May 1pm No Limit Holdem Main Event Championship - Flight 3 $2500
Sun 11 May 1pm Main Event NZ Champs - Final Day

Auckland Skycity Casino to Host North Island Poker Champs

2008-03-03T23:39:00.002+13:00

The 2008 North Island Poker Champs will be a two day event on the weekend of March 22,23.

Held at the Auckland Skycity Casino, the buyin for the main event will be $1100(1000+100). Winner will also get entry to this years Main Event of the NZ Poker Champs

Auckland Skycity's Poker Regulars

2008-02-26T12:09:00.007+13:00

If you decide to go play some no limit texas holdem at the Auckland Skycity Poker Zone. You'll get the chance to chat and play some poker with alot of very interesting poker players.
Some of the more interesting poker regulars at the skycity casino are:

"The Unlucky Redhead"- Always moaning how unlucky he his, when he calls an allin bet after the flop, with his pocket queens, with an ace king showing on the board.

"The Pornstar Grinder"- With his unbuttoned top, exposing his hairy chest and small gold chain, combined with the "Magnum PI" moustache, gives this regular skycity poker player that 70's pornstar look -which makes you wonder if he makes his own "movies"

"The Greasy Cheat"- This Auckland skycity poker pro (who has been caught cheating but has been allowed back at the casino), with the gelled back hair and imposing size, likes to verbally abuse his opponents into calling his raises. He gets paid off by players, who dont like him, trying to bust him out and manages to bluff others who show him too much respect.

"The Aggro GF" - This girlfriend of the "Greasy Cheat", although small and petite, has a bite of a hungry pitball. Her spitting verbal attacks, when she has been bluffed or sucked out on, can be vicious.

"The Chinese Teddy Bear"- This young asian poker player, with no known job and seemingly unlimited bankroll, plays poker with such a reckless style that his massive swings seems suicidal. Although a very good player, other poker players invite him to play at their tables because of the action he brings.

"The Foul mouthed Drunk"- This self-proclaimed NZ's best tournament poker player is probably one of the biggest cash game donkeys at the casino. He can be mildly amusing or incredibly offensive, when he's drunk and playing poker.

But along with all of these regulars there are the casual punters who enjoy the odd game of chance. The Auckland Skycity casino is open seven days a week and run poker tournaments every weekend starting at midday.

Auckland Skycity Casino Poker Zone

2008-02-26T11:17:00.003+13:00

Auckland Skycity, has it's poker room situated on the 3rd level of the casino, with eight tables available.

The games offered are mostly No Limit Texas Holdem, with Pot Limit Omaha available on Saturdays if there enough interest.

Tournaments are held regularly each weekend starting at midday on both Sat and Sun.

Auckland Skycity Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 5.30pm - 2.30am

Fri: 5.30pm - 3.30am

Sat: Midday - 3.30am

Sun: Midday - 2.30am